Geocaching.com's Blog

TraditionalGCBD883by Hopmaniak
Difficulty:2.5Terrain:1Location:Noord-Brabant, NetherlandsN 51° 33.216′ E 005° 11.411′

What would you do if Papa Smurf trusted you with protecting a legendary stash of rare Blue Smurf hops? Hopmaniak – In Search of the Smurfs… (GCBD883) sends geocachers deep into Smurf territory on a playful mission filled with clever storytelling, hidden mechanisms, and a delightful final reveal.

Tucked among the fields of Noord-Brabant, the cache appears to be little more than a sturdy gray box marked with an unmistakable Smurf face. But seasoned geocachers quickly realize this is no ordinary container. The cache invites players to slow down, observe carefully, and think like a Smurf.

Tucked among the fields of Noord-Brabant, the cache appears to be little more than a sturdy gray box marked with an unmistakable Smurf face. But seasoned geocachers quickly realize this is no ordinary container. The cache invites players to slow down, observe carefully, and think like a Smurf.

Image by geosanity68.

The story behind the cache sets the tone perfectly. A wild-eyed brewer known only as the Hopmaniac has become obsessed with creating the ultimate IPA beer, hunting rare hop varieties across the countryside. When he catches wind of Papa Smurf’s secret, Blue Smurf hops, chaos follows. To keep the precious harvest safe, the Smurfs hide it away in a secret location, along with the log sheet itself.

That blend of humor and imagination carries seamlessly into the physical cache experience. Rather than relying on difficult terrain or complicated puzzles, the cache focuses on interaction and surprise. Geocachers are rewarded for paying attention to the details right in front of them, and the mechanism creates one of those satisfying “aha!” moments that make gadget-style caches so memorable.

Image by geosanity68.

The secret to opening this cache lies in using your head. After inspecting the Smurf head more carefully, seekers realize it can be turned and moved. As the head slides downward, it suddenly drops free, revealing a hidden key on the opposite side. That key unlocks the real magic of the cache.

Image by geosanity68.

Once the cache is opened, the plain exterior gives way to a fully realized miniature Smurf world hidden inside. Tiny decorative details transform the container into a scene straight out of a storybook, rewarding curious geocachers with an experience that feels whimsical, handcrafted, and deeply personal. Even the inside of the cache door continues the narrative, featuring a humorous “wanted” poster connected to the stolen Blue Smurf hops.

Image by geosanity68.

What makes this cache especially charming is how cohesive the entire experience feels. The story, mechanism, visual design, and the final reveal all support one another without overcomplicating the hunt. It’s approachable enough for a wide range of geocachers while still delivering the kind of creative payoff that leaves a lasting impression.

The cache owner, hopmaniak, also reminds visitors to carefully replace everything exactly as found so Papa Smurf stays happy and the adventure remains intact for the next seekers.

So keep your senses sharp, watch out for wandering Hopmaniacs, and remember: the Smurfs may be counting on you.

Header image by geosanity68.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Traditional CacheGC416NJby Aa62Difficulty:3Terrain:2Location:New CaledoniaS 22° 28.636 E 166° 28.068

One of the joys of geocaching is that the whole world is our gameboard! From the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquil quiet of the countryside, geocaches lie in wait for finders everywhere to discover their secrets. There are geocaches in nearly every setting on planet Earth.

This week, join us as we sail to New Caledonia, a French collectivity in the South Pacific, to find the region’s first Geocache of the Week, Le phare Amédée (GC416NJ)!

Imagine sailing on the open water with nothing in sight but waves. Just you, your boat, and the sound of the wind as it rustles the lofty sails above you. For many, this image evokes tranquility and zen. Yet as night approaches, darkness envelopes your craft. Thankfully, you need not wait long in the dark as you spot the object of your journey, and the waypoint for Le phare Amédée, a stunning lighthouse in New Caledonia!

Image by superluc.

To begin your quest, visit New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea, to board a boat for the island. Serving as the gateway for the region, Noumea is the perfect place to prepare for an adventure to the collectivity’s smaller islands. Board a water taxi at the ferry terminal and prepare to see some impressively clear water!

Image by Teammako34.

After a short 45 minutes on board, the boat pulls into Îlot Amédée. Although only a speck of an island, it’s vital for boats in the area thanks to the namesake for our GOTW, Le phare Amédée! At 184 feet (56 m) tall, the lighthouse emits a light visible for 20 nautical miles (37 km). Before finding the cache on the island, it’s natural to want to see the view from the top. It won’t be easy, though; the climb is 247 stairs to the top!

Image by MacPivi.

A spiral staircase leads you to the vantage point for the island and beyond. With each passing step, you wonder if you’ve made the right decision. Could the view really be worth this toil? Having come so far, you hope the answer is yes! The final steps burn your muscles and signal the end of this unique climb.

Image by Momo et jojo.

Refreshed with a stunning view from the highest point in miles, it’s finally time to ink the log! To find this unique cache, you’ll need to visit a signboard adorned with many locations, both near and far. After trying a few different spots, it appears hope may be lost on finding this cache–it is in a pretty remote place, after all. But wait, there’s the cache! After a long journey by boat, the feeling of the cache in hand is nothing but bliss. No matter where you go, there won’t be a geocache too far away.

Image by Fuego03.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Dating back to the game’s origins, the core of geocaching has always been community. Cache owners spend hours crafting caches for others to find; players share their adventures through logs and photos; and behind the scenes, a group of volunteers keeps the game going.

Whether you found a new geocache today, found one on a far-away vacation, have hidden a geocache, used Geocaching.com or the Geocaching® mobile app in a language other than English, or visited the Geocaching Forums, you have a geocaching community volunteer to thank! There are several types of volunteers in the geocaching world who deserve our appreciation.

There are nearly 400 worldwide geocaching community volunteers, including reviewers, EarthCache reviewers (Geoawares), translators, and forum moderators. They dedicate their time to help keep the game in motion as they review geocaches to meet the geocaching and regional guidelines, translate the website and app, and keep the forums positive and helpful.

Other members of the community also volunteer their time. Cache owners use their creativity to create fun caches while also taking the time to maintain them. Event hosts and Mega- and Giga-Event organizing teams also volunteer their time and put in tremendous effort to provide amazing social experiences and huge amounts of fun for the community.

Interested in joining us to thank your local volunteers? Here are a few ideas:

Recognize your local geocaching community volunteer by nominating them via this form. You may just see your shout-out in a future blog post!Send a note to your local volunteer reviewers to show your appreciation.Contact your regional geocaching organization to thank them for their work.Get in touch with geocachers who regularly host CITOs and say “Thanks!”Award a Favorite point along with your gratitude to a high-quality cache.Mention how much you enjoyed an event in your log.Post a thank you note on your local geocaching Facebook page.Create a video sharing your gratitude and post it on social media (tag us on Instagram at @geocaching—we’d love to see it!).Visit the Geocaching Forums and give a shout-out to the forum moderators.

Want to learn more about current geocaching community volunteers? Check out our community volunteer features.

Curious about what it’s like to be a geocaching community reviewer? Check out HQ’s reviewer podcast series to hear their experiences in their own words.

Geocaching community volunteers have an incredibly positive impact on the game and the geocaching community. On Friday, May 22, go to the official Geocaching Facebook page and join us in saying a big ‘Thank You’ to the community’s volunteers.

The geocaching community was asked to host events highlighting cache creativity… and they delivered! Between April 9 and 30, hundreds of Maker Magic Events across 30 countries showcased creativity through hands-on demonstrations, educational workshops, and more. From turning trash into a Favorite point-worthy container to creating custom stamps for Letterbox Hybrid Caches, these events were truly magical.

Images by railroad.

At the Caching & Crafting: Containers Maker Magic event in Missouri, USA, attendees learned how to use 3D printers and circuitry machines in their local library’s new maker space. They also got a sneak peek at gadget caches in the works, and walked away with a camouflaged container ready to hide.

Images by geocaching.lover.

Locks are incorporated into geocaches in a variety of ways, and attendees of Maker Magic Hamm 2026 in Germany had the chance to practice their lock-picking skills with a practice set brought by the event host.

Images by gakujgn.

At the Maker Magic 2026 in FUKUSHIMA, Japan, attendees learned a variety of camouflaging techniques, including using rust-finish paint to give new containers an aged effect.

Images by Geokikker.

Attendees reached new heights at the Maker Magic climbing event in the Netherlands. Geocachers learned about the equipment and techniques needed to find and hide caches in trees.

Images by iceseal.

The host of the Maker Magic: Mistēriju veidošana, risināšanas ABC in Latvia showcased cache creativity through a detailed presentation on Mystery Caches. Both new and experienced geocachers learned how to analyze cache descriptions and explore common encryption methods.

Images by Davidwazza.

Attendees were given a blank canvas to showcase their love for geocaching at the Maker Magic: Traffic Signal Box Painting event in Australia. In partnership with the City of Brisbane, geocachers had the unique opportunity to show off their painting skills by transforming a traffic signal box into a geocaching-inspired work of art.

For more inspiration, check out these other magic-filled events:

Southern Great Plains Maker Magic Event – USA
Maker Magic Gilby Style – USA
Maker Magic: Petling pimpen statt Petling finden – Germany
Maker Magic -Invisible Art: Mastering Natural Camo – Canada
Maker Magic: Light up your cache – Denmark
Maker Magic Crochet the Cache-Un evento del cactus – Italy
Maker Magic: Week by Week #15 Cache Workshop – Poland

Which Maker Magic event did you attend?

Traditional-CacheGCAKPKFby DeborahVanDerLindenDifficulty:2.5Terrain:1.5Location:Zuid-Holland, NetherlandsN 51° 49.565′ E 004° 38.035′

How much patience can fit inside a single geocache?

This week’s Geocache of the Week, 𖦹 L 𖦹 A 𖦹 B 𖦹 Y 𖦹 R 𖦹 I 𖦹 N 𖦹 T 𖦹 (>26 m) (GCAKPKF), invites geocachers into a carefully crafted maze where every movement matters. Hidden in Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, this gadget cache uses magnets, metal balls, and mechanical engineering to create a suspenseful adventure.

At first glance, the challenge seems straightforward: guide a small metal ball through a tall transparent labyrinth using a magnetic wand. But the farther the ball travels through the maze’s twisting corridors and steep climbs, the clearer it becomes that this cache is about much more than reaching the end. Patience becomes part of the puzzle.

Image by geobert52.

The labyrinth requires steady hands and careful control to keep the ball moving forward. One wrong move can send it slipping backward through the maze. Just when the challenge feels complete, the cache reveals another layer beneath its surface.

That sense of curiosity is exactly what cache owner Deborah VanDerLinden hoped to create.

Image by DeborahVanDerLinden.

Inspired by previous gadget caches, the cache owner spent weeks brainstorming, prototyping, testing, painting, and refining the build before the final version came together. The project involved more than 15 days of construction work and many hours of experimentation to perfect the internal mechanism! With 117 Favorite points, the cache has earned clear appreciation from geocachers for its creativity and effort.

Image by DeborahVanDerLinden.

Visitors describe the cache as “beautifully made,” “amazing,” and “super fun,” with many awarding Favorite points after completing the experience. Some mention tackling the labyrinth with friends or family members. Others describe the satisfying moment when the mechanism finally unlocks after careful teamwork and persistence.

One geocacher wrote:
“What a fun cache this is!!! I wish I were skilled enough to make something like this.” – The Ashes

Another shared:
“So cool to do with my son, we did one ball together, great job.” – Droopy078

Image by GC Rogier.

Part of the cache’s charm comes from how approachable the experience feels. Despite the impressive engineering inside the cache, the concept remains simple: guide the balls and see where the labyrinth leads. The result is a gadget cache that feels playful, immersive, and memorable from beginning to end.

The final reward comes when a hidden drawer slides open, revealing the logbook tucked inside a cleverly concealed preform container.

Geocaching has always celebrated creativity, but caches like this remind us that creativity often lives in the details. It’s in the carefully tested mechanism, the patient craftsmanship, and the joy of building something that makes complete strangers smile.

Sometimes all it takes is a magnet, a maze, and a little perseverance.

Image by RayoKirah.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Header image by GC Rogier.

What happens when geocaching meets parody at ludicrous speed?

Spaceballs the Cache (GCBKC4T) blasts into the spotlight this week, inviting finders to step into a galaxy of curiosity, hands-on adventure, and a sense that you’ve played a starring role in your own geocaching adventure.

Your adventure starts at Rocky Creek Conservation Area, bordering a quaint neighborhood in Gig Harbor, Washington. Many of the non-geocacher residents are not aware of the creative hide nearby—IYKYK (if you know, you know).

The posted coordinates are not far from the entrance into the conservation area. But don’t let the short approach fool you. As the sounds of the outside world fade into the quiet rhythm of the woods, the search quickly shifts from walking to observing.

This isn’t a grab-and-go; it’s the kind of hide that rewards curiosity and a bit of playful suspicion. Before long, your attention turns to the trees themselves, where something feels just a little… off.

If a splash of bright green against bark catches your eye, you have outsmarted the clever disguise. The real magic happens when curiosity takes over—a toggle latch releases the front, and what is revealed is magnificent.

Inside the container is a coiled rubber hose housing three different-colored beads. Attached to the interior of the cover is the cache, safely protected by a combination lock.

Geocachers must free all three beads from the hose—each marked with a number —and together they reveal the code to unlock the combination lock. Unsure of the order? Check the cache page for a clear hint.

At last, you’ve cracked the code and uncovered the log sheet. Small but mighty, the durable cache container leaves room for SWAG and trackables. Don’t forget to restore the cache carefully, as the cache owner, Mama Hen & Her 2 Chicks, has put lots of effort into its placement.

May the force be with you.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world.
Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Les Lackeys du Geocaching HQ participent à des dizaines de Méga et Giga-Events dans le monde, à serrer des mains, partager leurs aventures, et bien sûr, à faire du geocaching ! AngryBeesy est Associate Product Owner, Web, au Geocaching HQ. Il s’est récemment rendu dans l’Iowa pour assister au MOGA 2026 (GCB40XQ).

Le Méga-Event MOGA à Des Moines, dans l’Iowa (le 28 mars 2026), a répondu en tous points à nos attentes — des gens formidables, des challenges créatifs et juste ce qu’il fallait de chaos pour en faire un moment inoubliable.

Le week-end a débuté par l’enregistrement au Méga et les inscriptions aux compétitions. Les hôtes Marsha et George (gmsnrich) étaient déjà en pleine effervescence, gérant une affluence qui a dépassé toutes les attentes. L’ambiance était contagieuse — partout où l’on regardait, les géocacheurs renouaient avec leurs amis, échangeaient des anecdotes et faisaient le point sur le week-end à venir.

Sur les conseils de Marsha, je me suis inscrit à la course d’orientation — une nouveauté pour moi, mais une expérience trop intrigante pour que je la laisse passer.

L’Event principal avait lieu le samedi. Après un petit-déjeuner rapide, je me suis rendu au lac Saylorville pour participer à l’épreuve individuelle de course d’orientation. Le défi a commencé avec un fichier GPX contenant 30 points de contrôle. Le parcours a tenu ses promesses : il fallait vraiment se frayer un chemin à travers les broussailles. Des roseaux, des ronces et des broussailles coriaces se dressaient entre moi et les premiers points de contrôle. Heureusement, les tronçons suivants longeaient un sentier équestre, ce qui nous a apporté un peu de répit. J’ai réussi à repérer et à passer cinq points de contrôle avant de me rendre compte que je m’étais aventuré à plus d’un kilomètre et demi du point de départ.

Cinq sur trente, ça ne semblait pas grand-chose… jusqu’à ce que la cérémonie de remise des prix révèle que j’avais en fait remporté la victoire dans ma catégorie d’âge. Une surprise, c’est le moins qu’on puisse dire !

Mais les véritables héros de la journée étaient les bénévoles — bravant une température de près de -2°C et un vent glacial venant du lac, ils ont guidé les participants et récupéré les feuilles de pointage. C’est ce qu’on appelle du dévouement.

De retour à l’hôtel, le reste de l’Event regorgeait d’activités : chasse au trésor, course de poker, défi de bingo et stands remplis de caches créatives, de géocoins et de présentoirs en bois faits main. Avec en plus de nouvelles Adventures, de nouvelles caches et même un géo-art de Wherigos reverse, rien de manquait.

Le dimanche matin, nos hôtes nous ont offert un copieux petit-déjeuner — biscuits, pancakes et saucisses — avant le dernier CITO et les aurevoirs. Puis il était temps de prendre la route… ou peut-être de partir à la recherche de quelques-unes des Wherigos reverse.

Un immense merci à tous ceux qui ont contribué au succès du MOGA 2026. J’ai déjà hâte d’être à l’année prochaine !

Lidé z Geocaching HQ se zúčastňují desítek mega a giga eventů po celém světě, podávají si ruce, sdílejí dobrodružné příběhy a samozřejmě i příběhy o geocachingu! AngryBeesy je pomocný produktový manažer pro webové služby v centrále Geocachingu. Nedávno odcestoval do Iowy, aby se zúčastnil MOGA 2026 (GCB40XQ).

Megaevent MOGA v Des Moines v Iowě (28. března 2026) přinesla přesně to, v co jste doufali – skvělé lidi, kreativní výzvy a právě tolik chaosu, aby se vám navždy vryla do paměti.

Víkend začal registrací a přihlášením do soutěží. Pořadatelé Marsha a George (gmsnrich) už byli v plné akci a zvládali účast, která předčila očekávání. Ta energie byla nakažlivá – kamkoli jste se podívali, kačeři se znovu setkávali, vyměňovali si zážitky a plánovali nadcházející víkend.

Na Marshin návrh jsem se přihlásil na tradiční orientační běh – pro mě to byla novinka, ale příliš lákavá na to, abych si ji nechal ujít.

V sobotu se konal hlavní event. Po rychlé snídani jsem vyrazil k jezeru Saylorville na soutěž jednotlivců v orientačním běhu. Soutěž začala zasláním souboru GPX obsahujícím 30 souřadnic kontrolních bodů. Trasa splnila, co slibovala: procházení hustým porostem nebylo volitelné. Mezi mnou a prvními několika kontrolními body se tyčilo rákosí, trní a hustý podrost. Naštěstí další úseky vedly po jezdecké stezce, což přineslo trochu úlevy. Stihl jsem najít a označit pět kontrolních bodů, než mi došlo, že jsem se vzdálil od startu o více než kilometr a půl.

Pět z třiceti se nezdálo jako moc… dokud se na slavnostním předávání cen neukázalo, že jsem ve své věkové kategorii vlastně vyhrál. Překvapení, to je nejmenší, co se dá říct!

Skutečnými hrdiny však byli dobrovolníci – stáli venku při teplotě -1 °C a silném větru od jezera, navigovali účastníky a sbírali kontrolní lístky. To je opravdová oddanost.

Zpátky v hotelu to na eventu žilo: konala se honba za pokladem, pokerový závod, bingo a stánky prodejců byly plné nápaditých schránek na kešky, geocoinů a ručně vyrobených dřevěných stojánků. Přidejte k tomu nové Adventure labky, čerstvé kešky a dokonce i reverzní Wherigo geo-art; o věci k prozkoumání rozhodně nebyla nouze.

V neděli ráno nás pořadatelé pohostili vydatnou snídaní – sušenkami, palačinkami a klobáskami – a poté následovalo závěrečné CITO a rozloučení. Pak nastal čas vyrazit na cestu… nebo možná najít pár těch reverzních Wherigo keší.

Velké poděkování patří všem, díky nimž se MOGA 2026 stalo takovým úspěchem. Už se těším na příští rok!

Geocaching Hauptquartier Lackeys nehmen an dutzenden Mega- und Giga-Events auf der ganzen Welt teil, schütteln Hände, erzählen Geschichten von Abenteuern natürlich, vom Geocaching! AngryBeesy ist Associate Product Owner Web im Geocaching Hauptquartier. Er ist kürzlich nach Iowa gereist, um am MOGA 2026 (GCB40XQ) teilzunehmen.

Das MOGA Mega-Event in Des Moines, Iowa (28. März 2026) hat genau das geliefert, was man sich erhofft hat – tolle Leute, kreative Herausforderungen und gerade genug Chaos, um es unvergesslich zu machen.

Das Wochenende begann mit der Registrierung und der Anmeldung für die Wettbewerbe. Die Gastgeber Marsha und George (gmsnrich) waren bereits voll in Fahrt und bewältigten einen Andrang, der die Erwartungen übertraf. Die Energie war ansteckend – überall knüpften Cacher wieder Kontakte, tauschten Geschichten aus und fieberten dem bevorstehenden Wochenende entgegen.

Auf Marshas Vorschlag hin habe ich mich für den charakteristischen Orientierungslauf-Wettbewerb angemeldet – etwas ganz Neues für mich, aber das war einfach zu verlockend, um es mir entgehen zu lassen.

Samstag war das Hauptevent. Nach einem schnellen Frühstück machte ich mich auf den Weg zum Saylorville Lake für den Orientierungslauf-Einzelwettbewerb. Die Challenge begann mit einer GPX-Datei mit 30 Kontrollpunkt-Standorten. Der Kurs hielt, was seine Warnung versprach: Querfeldein war nicht optional. Schilf, Dornen und widerspenstiges Unterholz standen zwischen mir und den ersten paar Kontrollpunkten. Zum Glück folgten spätere Abschnitte einem Reitweg und boten etwas Erleichterung. Ich habe es geschafft, fünf Kontrollpunkte zu finden und zu lochen, bevor ich merkte, dass ich mich über eine Meile vom Start entfernt hatte.

Fünf von 30 klang nicht nach viel… bis die Preisverleihung enthüllte, dass ich tatsächlich in meine Altersklasse gewonnen hatte. Eine Überraschung, gelinde gesagt!

Aber die wahren wertvollsten Teilnehmer waren die Freiwilligen – die bei -2°C und einem eisigen Wind vom See ausharrten, die Teilnehmer führten und Kontrollkarten einsammelten. Das nenne ich Einsatz.

Zurück im Hotel herrschte beim Rest des Events reges Treiben: eine Schnitzeljagd, ein Poker Run, eine Bingo-Herausforderung und Händlerstände voller kreativer Cache-Behälter, Geocoins und handgefertigter Holzdisplays. Mit neuen Adventures, frischen Caches und sogar eine Reverse-Wherigo Geo-Art gab es jede Menge zu entdecken.

Der Sonntagmorgen brachte ein herzhaftes Frühstück dank der Gastgeber – Biscuits, Pfannkuchen und Würstchen – vor dem abschließenden CITO und der Verabschiedung. Dann war es an der Zeit, sich auf den Weg zu machen… oder vielleicht ein paar dieser Reverse-Wherigos aufzuspüren.

Ein riesengroßes Dankeschön an alle, die MOGA 2026 zu einem solchen Erfolg gemacht haben. Ich freue mich schon auf nächstes Jahr!

Lackeys van Geocaching HQ wonen tientallen Mega- en Giga-events bij over de hele wereld om handen te schudden, verhalen over hun avonturen te vertellen en, natuurlijk, te geocachen! AngryBeesy is Associate Product Owner, Web bij Geocaching HQ. Hij reisde onlangs naar Iowa om MOGA 2026 (GCB40XQ) bij te wonen.

Het MOGA Mega-event in Des Moines, Iowa (28 maart 2026) leverde precies waar je op gehoopt had – geweldige mensen, creatieve uitdagingen en net genoeg chaos om het gedenkwaardig te maken.

Het weekend begon met registratie en inschrijvingen voor de wedstrijden. Organisatoren Marsha en George (gmsnrich) waren al op volle snelheid en beheerden een opkomst die de verwachtingen oversteeg. De energie was besmettelijk – overal waar je keek zag je cachers opnieuw kennismaken, verhalen uitwisselen en vooruitblikken naar het komende weekend.

Op suggestie van Marsha schreef ik me in voor de kenmerkende oriëntatiewedstrijd – iets nieuws voor mij, maar te intrigerend om af te slaan.

Zaterdag was het hoofdevent. Na een snel ontbijt ging ik naar Saylorville Lake voor de individuele oriëntatiewedstrijd. De uitdaging begon met een GPX-file met daarin 30 controlepunten. Het parcours voldeed aan de waarschuwing: het struikgewas doorkruisen was niet optioneel. Riet, doornen en koppig kreupelhout stonden tussen mij en de eerste paar controlepunten. Gelukkig liepen latere segmenten langs een ruiterpad, wat een beetje verlichting bood. Ik wist vijf controlepunten te vinden en af te stempelen voor ik me realiseerde dat ik ruim 1,5 kilometer van de start was afgedwaald.

Vijf van de 30 leek niet zoveel…tot de prijsuitreiking liet zien dat ik in mijn leeftijdscategorie daadwerkelijk gewonnen had. Een verrassing, op zijn zachtst gezegd!

Maar de meest waardevolle mensen waren de vrijwilligers – die stonden buiten in temperaturen van -1°C met een straffe wind vanaf het meer deelnemers de weg te wijzen en blaadjes af te stempelen. Dat is nog eens toewijding.

Terug in het hotel gonsde het event van de activiteiten: een speurtocht, pokeren, een bingo-uitdaging en verkoopkraampjes met creatieve cachebehuizingen, geocoins en handgemaakte houten displays. Voeg daar nieuwe Adventures, verse caches en zelfs een geo-art van reverse Wherigo’s aan toe en er was geen gebrek aan dingen om te ontdekken.

Zondagmorgen was er een stevig ontbijt met dank aan de organisatoren – biscuits, pannenkoeken en worst – voor de laatste CITO en het afscheid. Daarna was het tijd om weer op pad te gaan…of misschien een paar van die reverse Wherigo’s te gaan zoeken.

Heel erg bedankt aan iedereen die van MOGA 2026 zo’n succes heeft gemaakt. Ik kijk nu al uit naar volgend jaar!